Optic neuritis is the name for inflammation of the optic nerve. This is the nerve that carries messages from the eye to the brain. The effect it can have on your sight varies, from blurred vision to complete loss of sight.

Most people’s sight recovers well from optic neuritis, with most people showing signs of improvement within five weeks. Steroids can help speed up recovery.

Changes to vision, whether they’re temporary or longer lasting, can have a major impact on your life. You may find it’s harder to do the things you normally do, or that you have have to ask someone else to help you.

However your vision is affected, there are usually things you can do to make it easier for you to carry out your normal activities.